marilynFinally watched HBO's "My Brilliant Friend" series (on DVDs from a local library). It's a remarkably faithful adaptation of Elena Ferrante's four-novel masterpiece. Glad I waited to view all four seasons at once (over a few weeks), without disruptions or commercials.
The casting (especially in the early seasons) is great. The characters were repeatedly recast (switching to older actors in later seasons), which was sometimes jarring, but fortunately not for long.
The crowded Neapolitan neighbourhood (filmed on an elaborate custom-built set) looked very much like what I'd imagined. As the story expanded beyond that close-knit locale, the vivid filming locations delighted my eyes, and made me long to visit Italy again (which I will probably never do, alas).
I believe this was the first HBO original series which required English subtitles throughout, and I've read that even within Italy, it was broadcast with Italian subtitles (due to the extensive use of Neapolitan dialect). As I understand it, HBO worked with local production companies, which no doubt increased the overall feeling of authenticity.
I've seen a few negative reviews (written from a perspective that is very different from mine), so I guess this series isn't for everybody. However, I loved it, and my husband (who shares my fascination with Italy, but hasn't read the books) enjoyed it as well.
In Australia, it's still airing (for free) on SBS, if you don't mind creating an account and accepting their ads and trackers.
As for me, I want to reread all four books now.